Machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee and related method

ABSTRACT

A machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston is operable to move to a first position to allow the chamber to receive a liquid and a flavor base such as ground coffee, to remain in the first position for a time sufficient for the beverage to brew, and to move to a second position to dispense the beverage by forcing the beverage out of the chamber. By modifying some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, the machine can typically control coffee-brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup, and can typically brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.Nos. 60/670,955 filed on Apr. 11, 2005, 60/719,069 filed on Sep. 20,2005, and Ser. No. ______ (attorney docket number 2402-001-05 titledIMPROVED MAGNOLIA AND PHINNEY BREWER) filed on Apr. 6, 2006. All of theabove applications are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Of the many techniques for brewing coffee, connoisseurs consider theFrench press technique to be one of the best for taste and efficient useof ground coffee (efficiency is proportional to the ratio of the amountof coffee brewed to the amount of ground coffee used). It is theorizedthat the good taste and efficiency is a result of the relativelythorough wetting of the coffee grounds that the French press techniqueallows. Wetting is function of the surface area of the coffee grounds incontact with water during the brewing time, and of the portion of thebrewing time during which this contact occurs. The greater the contactarea and contact time, the more thorough the wetting of the coffeegrounds.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the French press technique is described.

Referring to FIG. 1, one places ground coffee 10 and hot water 12 in acoffee pot 14, and allows coffee to brew. Because the ground coffee 10often floats to the surface of the water 12, one may stir or otherwiseagitate the mixture of the ground coffee and the water to morethoroughly wet the individual coffee grounds that constitute the groundcoffee.

Referring to FIG. 2, after the coffee 15 has brewed, one grasps a handle16 of a filter 18, inserts the filter into the coffee pot 14, andpresses the filter down toward the bottom of the pot.

Because the filter 18 passes liquid but does not passcoffee-ground-sized particles, as one presses the filter toward thebottom of the coffee pot 14, the substantially ground-free brewed coffee15 fills the portion of the pot above the filter while the filterretains the ground coffee 10 in the portion of the pot below the filter.Of course the edge 20 of the filter 18 and the inner side 22 of the pot14 form a seal sufficient to prevent coffee grounds from passing betweenthe edge of the filter and the inner side of the pot.

After one presses the filter 18 below a spout 24 of the coffee pot 14,he can pour the substantially ground-free brewed coffee 15 into a cup(not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) via the spout. Although ideally one maystop pressing the filter 18 after the filter is below the spout 24, onetypically presses the filter all the way to the bottom of the coffee pot14 to reduce the chances of undersized coffee grounds passing throughthe filter and into the cup.

Still referring to FIG. 2, after one pours the desired amount of brewedcoffee 15, he retracts the filter 18 from the pot 14 by pulling on thehandle 16, removes the ground coffee 10 from the pot, and then cleansthe filter and the pot.

Unfortunately, a problem with the above-described French press techniqueis that it is often too time consuming and difficult for use byestablishments, such as coffee shops, restaurants, and work places, thatserve significant amounts of coffee. The taste of brewed coffeetypically depends on the brew parameters, which include the size of thecoffee grounds (i.e., the grind size or consistency), the watertemperature, the ratio of ground coffee to water, and the brew time.Even a slight variation in one of the brew parameters may cause anoticeable change in the taste of the brewed coffee. Because onetypically controls at least some of the French press brewing parametersmanually using equipment not shown in FIGS. 1-2 (e.g., coffee grinder,thermometer, measuring cup), it is often difficult and time consuming tocontrol these brewing parameters, particularly with the level ofprecision required to brew many pots of coffee having a substantiallyuniform taste from pot to pot. And because each cup of brewed coffeepoured from the same pot typically sat in the pot for a different lengthof time, the taste of the brewed coffee may even change significantlyfrom cup to cup.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of a machine for brewing a beverage such as coffeeincludes a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston isoperable to move to a first position to allow the chamber to receive aliquid and a flavor base such as ground coffee, to remain in the firstposition for a time sufficient for a beverage to brew, and to move to asecond position to dispense the beverage by forcing the beverage out ofthe chamber.

By modifying or automating some or all steps of the French press brewingtechnique, such a machine can typically control the brewing parameterswith a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniformtaste from cup to cup, and can typically brew the coffee with a speedthat renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that servesignificant amounts of coffee.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a conventional French press technique for brewingcoffee.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a machine for brewing a beverage such ascoffee using a modified French press technique according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a cut-away side view of the brewing unit of FIG. 3 accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the filter and wiper shuttleassembly of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A-6B are side views of the filter and wiper shuttle assembly ofFIGS. 4-5 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 7A-7C are side views of the filter and wiper shuttle assembly ofFIGS. 4-6B and of a filter and wiper cleaning assembly according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the filter and wiper cleaning assembly ofFIGS. 7A-7C according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the grinding-and-measuring unit of FIG. 3according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a cut-away side view of the measuring assembly of thegrinding-and-measuring unit of FIG. 9 according to another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 11 is a cut-away side view of the measuring assembly of thegrinding-and-measuring unit of FIG. 9 according to yet anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the brewing chamber of FIG. 4 and themeasuring assembly of the grinding-and-measuring unit of FIG. 9according to still another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 13-18 illustrate a brewing cycle of the beverage-brewing machineof FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the beverage-brewing machine of FIG. 3according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use one or more embodiments of the invention. Thegeneral principles described herein may be applied to embodiments andapplications other than those detailed below without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Therefore the present invention isnot intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and featuresdisclosed or suggested herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a machine 30 for brewing a beverageaccording to an embodiment of the invention. The beverage-brewingmachine 30 can brew coffee one cup at a time using an automated andmodified French press technique, which allows the machine to brew coffeemore quickly and more uniformly from cup to cup than can a humanoperator performing the conventional French press technique describedabove in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2. Consequently, the machine 30 isoften more suitable for establishments that brew and serve significantamounts of coffee than is a human operator performing the conventionalFrench press technique.

The machine 30 includes the following components: a water filter 32,cleaner-dispensing unit 34, water-reservoir-and-heating unit 36,water-temperature-control unit 38,water-and-cleaner-measuring-and-transporting unit 40,liquid-waste-disposal unit 42, cup-holder-and-overflow/waste-drain unit44, beverage-dispensing unit 46, beverage-transporting unit 48,beverage-brewing unit 50, cup-sensing unit 52, grind-transporting unit54, solid-waste-disposal unit 56, hopper unit 58, grinding-and-measuringunit 60, barrier 62, and controller 64. And although the machine 30 maybrew beverages (e.g., tea, cocoa) other than coffee, for purposes ofexplanation the structure and operation of the machine are described inconjunction with the machine brewing coffee.

The water filter 32 filters the water that is used to brew the coffee.But one may omit the filter 32 from the beverage-brewing machine 30,particularly where the machine is installed in an establishment that hasa water-purification system separate from the machine.

The cleaner-dispensing unit 34 stores a cleaning solution that thebeverage-brewing machine 30 may use to clean some of the above-describedcomponents during a cleaning cycle, which is described in more detailbelow in conjunction with FIG. 16. Suitable cleaning solutions includevinegar, ammonia, soap-based solutions, and mixtures thereof.

The water-reservoir-and-heating unit 36 receives and stores water fromthe water filter 32, and, under the control of the controller 64, heatsthe stored water to a desired temperature, for example a temperature inthe range from 150° F. to just below the boiling point of water. Theheating element may be electric or any other type of conventionalheating element, and a sensor (not shown in FIG. 3) indicates to thecontroller 64 the temperature of the water in the reservoir. In oneimplementation, the capacity of the reservoir and the thermal output ofthe heating element are such that the machine 30 can brew a 16 ounce cupof coffee in approximately 50 seconds, and can brew ten 16 ounce cups ofcoffee in approximately 10 minutes. Alternatively, thereservoir-and-heating unit 36 may include a manually settable thermostatthat maintains the temperature of the water at the temperature to whichthe thermostat is set.

The water-temperature-control unit 38 can alter the temperature of thewater from the reservoir unit 36 to allow a different brew temperaturefrom cup to cup. The temperature-control unit 38 receives water from thereservoir 36 during a beverage-brewing cycle, and, in response to thecontroller 64, adjusts the temperature of the water received from thereservoir. In one implementation, the temperature-control unit 38 mixesthe heated water from the reservoir 36 with colder water from the filter32 to lower the temperature of the water used to brew coffee from thetemperature of the water in the reservoir. The temperature-control unit38 may operate in an open-loop configuration by relying on athermodynamic algorithm that, using the sensed temperatures of theheated and cold water, regulates the amount of cold water mixed with theheated water to provide water having a desired temperature.Alternatively, the temperature control unit 38 may operate in aclosed-loop configuration by sensing the temperature of the providedwater and, in response to the sensed temperature, regulating the amountof cold water mixed with the heated water to provide water having thedesired temperature. Moreover, instead of actually mixing cold tap waterfrom the filter 32 with the heated water, the temperature-control unit38 may include a heat exchanger that allows the cold water to cool theheated water without actually mixing with the heated water. Thetemperature control unit 38 may also be able to heat the water used tobrew the coffee above the temperature of the water in the reservoir 36.

Alternatively, one may omit the water-temperature-control unit 38 fromthe machine 30, and depend on the reservoir-and-heating unit 36 to heatthe water to the desired temperature. An advantage of thetemperature-control unit 38 is that it provides water at the desiredbrew temperature relatively quickly if the water in the reservoir 36 isat or higher than the desired brew temperature; a disadvantage is thatthe unit 38 may add complexity and expense to the machine 30.Comparatively, although omitting the temperature-control unit 38 mayslow the machine's brewing speed, the reservoir-and-heating unit 36 canheat the water used to brew each cup of coffee from a base temperatureto any desired brewing temperature under software control (via thecontroller 64) without adding any expense or complexity to the machine.Typically, the cold tap water entering the reservoir 36 to replace theexpelled brew water drops the temperature of the water in the reservoirto or below the baseline temperature, thus readying the reservoir forthe next cup.

The water-and-cleaner-measuring-and-transporting unit 40 transports apredetermined amount of water from the temperature-control unit 38 tothe brewing unit 50 during a brewing cycle, and transports apredetermined amount of cleaning solution to the brewing unit during acleaning cycle. The measuring-and-transporting unit 40 may also directliquid waste from the brewing unit 50 to the liquid-waste disposal unit42 as discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 13-18. The unit 40includes one or more electronically controllable valves, which, inresponse to the controller 64, direct the water, cleaning solution, andliquid waste as described above and as described below in conjunctionwith FIGS. 13-18. Furthermore, the unit 40 measures the water andcleaning solution transported to the brewing chamber 50 as describedbelow in conjunction with FIGS. 13-18. Moreover, the unit 40 may providehot water directly to the beverage dispensing unit 46 so that one canobtain hot water for any desired use.

The liquid-waste disposal unit 42 receives liquid waste from themeasuring-and-transporting unit 40 and disposes of this waste. Thedisposal unit 42 may include a drain (not shown in FIG. 3) that isconnected to the sewer line (not shown in FIG. 3) of the establishmentin which the machine 30 is installed. Alternatively, the disposal unit42 may receive liquid waste from the beverage transporting unit 48 orfrom another component of the machine 30.

The cup-holder-and-overflow/waste-drain unit 44 holds a cup (not shownin FIG. 3) while the beverage-dispenser unit 46 fills the cup with thebrewed beverage (or hot water as described above). The unit 44 alsoincludes a drain portion to absorb, e.g., spillage from the cup anddrippings from the dispenser unit 46 after the cup has been removed. Thedrain portion of the unit 44 may be removable for emptying, or may beconnected to the liquid-waste disposal unit 42 or directly to the sewerline of the establishment in which the machine 30 is installed.

The beverage-dispensing unit 46 includes a spout (not shown in FIG. 3),and dispenses the brewed beverage into the cup (not shown in FIG. 3) asdiscussed in the preceding paragraph.

The beverage-transporting unit 48 transports the brewed beverage fromthe brewing unit 50 to the dispensing unit 46. The unit 48 may includean electronically controllable valve (not shown in FIG. 3), which, inresponse to the controller 64, opens after the brewing unit 50 hasbrewed the beverage to allow the beverage to flow to the dispensing unit46. To prevent the dispensing unit 46 from dispensing a beverage when nocup is present, the controller 64 may close the valve if the cup sensor52 indicates that no cup is present in the cup-holder portion of theunit 44. The controller 64 may also close the valve at other times asdescribed below in conjunction with FIGS. 13-18.

The beverage-brewing unit 50 receives heated water from themeasuring-and-transporting unit 40, receives ground coffee from thegrind-transporting unit 54, brews coffee, and then provides the brewedcoffee to the beverage-dispensing unit 46 via the beverage-transportingunit 48. The brewing unit 50 is further described below in conjunctionwith FIGS. 4-8 and 13-18.

As discussed above, the cup-sensing unit 52 indicates to the controller64 whether a cup (not shown in FIG. 3) is present in the cup holder 44.If the cup is not present after the brewing unit 50 has brewed coffee,then the controller 64 may deactivate the beverage-transporting unit 48to prevent the beverage-dispensing unit 46 from dispensing brewed coffeedirectly into the drain portion of the drain unit 44. Alternatively, ifthe cup is present during a cleaning cycle, then the controller 64 maydeactivate the beverage-transporting unit 48 to prevent cleaningsolution from entering the cup. The cup-sensing unit 52 may include anytype of sensor, such as an optical, mechanical, or ultrasonic sensor.

The grind-transporting unit 54 may include one or more electronicallycontrollable valves, which, in response to the controller 64, routeground coffee from the grinding-and-measuring unit 60 to either thebrewing unit 50 or to the solid-waste-disposal unit 56. The controller64 may cause the unit 54 to route ground coffee to the disposal unit 56when one wishes to “grind through” the remaining coffee beans in ahopper (not shown in FIG. 3) of the hopper unit 58 before filling thehopper with new coffee beans. Such grinding through may prevent crosscontamination between different types of coffee beans.

The solid-waste disposal unit 56 receives “ground through” coffee fromthe grind-transporting unit 54 per the preceding paragraph, and receivesspent coffee grounds and disposable filters (if used) from the brewingunit 50 as discussed below. The disposal unit 56 may include areceptacle that one periodically removes for emptying, or that isconnected to an electronic garbage disposer or directly to the sewerline of the establishment in which the machine 30 is installed. Inaddition, the solid-waste-disposal unit 56 may be connected to receivetap water, and may use the tap water to flush “ground-through” and spentcoffee from the disposal unit into the garbage disposer unit or directlyinto the sewer line. The disposal unit 56 may periodically commence anautomatic flushing sequence, e.g., after brewing each cup of coffee. Or,one may commence the flushing sequence manually.

The hopper unit 58 includes one or more hoppers for holding coffee beans(neither shown in FIG. 3), which are gravity fed to thegrinding-and-measuring unit 60. Where the hopper unit 58 includesmultiple hoppers, then one can load different types of coffee beans intoeach hopper, thus providing the coffee drinker with a selection ofcoffees. In one implementation, each hopper can hold slightly more thanone pound of coffee beans, e.g., 1¼ pounds. Because coffee beanstypically come in one-pound containers, a hopper having agreater-than-one-pound capacity allows one to refill the hopper with awhole container of coffee beans before the hopper is completely empty.

In response to the controller 64, the grinding-and-measuring unit 60grinds coffee beans (not shown in FIG. 3) from the hopper unit 50, andthen provides to the grind-transporting unit 54 a predetermined amountof ground coffee. In one implementation, the grinding-and-measuring unit60 continually indicates to the controller 64 the rate at which the unitis generating ground coffee, and the controller keeps track of thecumulative amount of ground coffee generated. When the cumulative amountof ground coffee equals a predetermined amount, then the controller 64deactivates the unit 60. Techniques for indicating the rate at which theunit 60 generates ground coffee and other techniques for measuring theground coffee are discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 9-12.Furthermore, the unit 60 may allow one to select, via the controller 64,one of multiple grind sizes (e.g., coarse, normal, fine), as the grindsize may affect the taste and other characteristics of the brewedcoffee.

The barrier 62 separates the controller 64 and associated circuitry (notshown in FIG. 3) from other components of the machine 30. For example,steam from hot water and brewing or brewed coffee may condense anddamage or otherwise render inoperable the controller 64. Furthermore,condensation on the conduits that carry cold tap water may cause similarproblems. Therefore, a moisture barrier 62 helps keep the controller 64and associated circuitry dry.

The controller 64 controls the operation of some or all of the othercomponents of the brewing machine 30 as discussed above, and includes aprocessor 66, a memory 68, a control panel and display 70, and acommunications port 72.

The processor 66 executes a software program stored in the memory 68 orin another memory (not shown), and controls the operations of thecomponents of the machine 30 as described above and as described below.

In addition to storing one or more software programs, the memory 68 maystore sets of predetermined brew parameters as discussed below inconjunction with FIGS. 13-18, and may provide working memory for theprocessor 66.

The control panel and display 70 allows an operator (not shown in FIG.3) to enter brewing options (e.g., coffee type, cup size, and brewingparameters) or to select brewing options from a menu that the processor66 may generate on the display. For example, the operator may select viathe control panel and display 66 individual brewing parameters (e.g.,grind size, water temperature, brewing time, and thecoffee-ground-to-water ratio), or a set of predetermined brewingparameters stored in the memory 68. As an example of the latter, acoffee roaster may have determined preferred brewing parameters for itscoffee. One may then store these preferred parameters in the memory 68as a set, and associate the set with an identifier, such as the name ortype of the coffee. Therefore, instead of entering or selecting eachbrewing parameter individually, which may be tedious, the operatormerely enters or selects from a menu the identifier, and the controller64 causes the machine 30 to brew coffee according to the set ofparameters corresponding to the identifier.

The communications port 72 allows the processor 66, memory 68, andcontrol panel and display 70 to communicate with one or more devicesexternal to the machine 30. For example, the port 72 may be connected toa computer (not shown in FIG. 3) so that one can program or rundiagnostics from the computer. Or, the port 72 may be connected to theinternet, so that one can download into the memory 68 data such as setsof brewing parameters from coffee roasters or suppliers. In addition,the port 72 may receive data via a wireless channel, such as a set ofbrewing parameters from a RFID tag or a barcode on a container of coffeeor on a coffee cup (the tag may hold the cup owner's preferred coffeetype, cup size, or brew parameters). Furthermore, the port 72 may allowthe processor 66 to download demographic information, such ascoffee-drinker preferences and number of cups brewed, to a coffeeroaster or supplier or to the manufacturer/supplier of the machine 30.

Still referring to FIG. 3, alternate embodiments of the machine 30 arecontemplated. For example, one or more of the above-described units orcomponents may be omitted, the function of multiple units may beconsolidated into fewer units, or the function of a single unit may bedivided among multiple units.

FIG. 4 is a cut-away side view of the beverage-brewing unit 50 of FIG. 3according to an embodiment of the invention. As discussed above inconjunction with FIG. 3, the brewing unit 50 allows the machine 30 tobrew coffee according to a modified French press technique.

The beverage-brewing unit 50 includes a brewing chamber 80 having a topopening 82 and a side wall 84 and disposed in a chamber block 86 havinga top surface 88, a piston 90 disposed within the chamber and having atop surface 92 and side 94, a motor 96 for driving the piston, and afilter and wiper shuttle assembly 98. The shuttle assembly 98 isillustrated in a disengaged position in which it is not sealing theopening 82. In a closed position (not illustrated in FIG. 4), theshuttle assembly 98 covers and seals the opening 82 while coffee brewsin the chamber 80.

The brewing chamber 80, which may be cylindrical, holds the groundcoffee and water (neither shown in FIG. 4) while the coffee brews. Onemay design the shape and other features of the chamber 80 to promoteagitation of the water-and-ground-coffee mixture as discussed below.

The piston 90 is the same shape as the brewing chamber 80, the side 94of the piston forms a water-tight seal with side wall 84 of the brewingchamber, and the motor 96 moves the piston up and down within thechamber. The motor 96, which is responsive to the controller 64 (FIG.3), may be any motor, such as a stepper motor, suitable to drive thepiston 90, and may include a sensor, such as one or more limit switches,that indicates to the controller the position, speed, and travelingdirection of the piston.

The shuttle assembly 98 includes an inlet 100, a nozzle 102, separatorribs 104, a filter 106, an outlet 108, and a wiper 110. Ashuttle-assembly driver (not shown in FIG. 4 but described below inconjunction with FIGS. 7A-7C) moves the shuttle assembly 98 across thechamber opening 82, and causes the shuttle assembly to seal the chamberopening while coffee is brewing in the chamber 80.

The inlet 100 is a conduit that routes hot water or cleaning solutionfrom the water-measuring-and-transporting unit 40 (FIG. 3) to the nozzle102.

The nozzle 102 directs the water from the inlet 100 in a spray patternto agitate the mixture of the water and the ground coffee (not shown inFIG. 4) within the chamber 80 so that the coffee grounds are morethoroughly wetted. For example, the nozzle 102 may create a pattern thatcauses the mixture of water and coffee grounds within the chamber 80 toswirl around as if one were stirring the mixture. Moreover, thewater-measuring-and-transporting unit 40 (FIG. 3) may include a pump orother device that can, in response to the controller 64 (FIG. 3), imparta predetermined pressure to the water in the inlet 100 to increase theagitation of the water-and-coffee-ground mixture. The nozzle 102 mayalso hold the filter 106 in place as discussed below in conjunction withFIG. 5. Furthermore, the nozzle 102 may be positioned such that it is inthe center of the chamber opening 82 when the shuttle assembly coversthe brewing chamber 80, or may be positioned in any non-centeredlocation. Moreover, the nozzle 102 may cause the water to enter thechamber at an angle to promote agitation of the water-and-coffee-groundmixture as discussed above.

The separator ribs 104 create a space 112 between the filter 106 and abottom surface 114 of the shuttle assembly 98 to facilitate the flow ofbrewed coffee from the chamber 80 to the outlet 108. The ribs 104 may beattached to or integral with either the filter 106 or the bottom surface114.

The filter 106 effectively separates spent coffee grounds from brewedcoffee. After the coffee brews in the chamber 80, the motor 96 extendsthe piston 90 upward at a controlled speed to force the brewed coffeethrough the filter 106, into the space 112, and to thebeverage-transporting unit 48 (FIG. 3) via the outlet 108. Although thefilter 106 passes liquid (in this case brewed coffee), it does not passsolids (in this case coffee grounds) having a grain size greater than apredetermined diameter. Therefore, the filter 106 retains the coffeegrounds in the chamber 80 so that the grounds do not contaminate thedispensed brewed coffee.

The wiper 110 transports the spent coffee grounds from the brewing unit50 into the solid-waste disposal unit 56 (FIG. 3). Specifically, afterthe piston 90 extends to force the brewed coffee out of the chamber 80as discussed in the preceding paragraph, the controller 64 (FIG. 3)causes the shuttle-assembly driver (not shown in FIG. 4) to raise theshuttle assembly 98 a predetermined distance so that the bottom edge ofthe wiper 110 is substantially even with the surface 88 of the chamberblock 86. Next, the controller 64 causes the motor 96 to further extendthe piston 90 until the surface 92 of the piston is substantiallycoplanar with the surface 88. Then, the controller 64 causes theshuttle-assembly driver to move the shuttle assembly 98 in a direction(here to the right of FIG. 4) that is substantially perpendicular to thedirection in which the piston 90 moves such that the wiper 110 sweepsthe spent coffee grounds from the piston surface 92, onto the surface88, and into the solid-waste-disposal unit 56 (FIG. 3). As discussedbelow in conjunction with FIGS. 7A-7C, the brewing unit 50 may alsoinclude a cleaning assembly for cleaning the wiper 110 and the filter106.

To provide a more precise control of the brewing temperature, thebrewing unit 50 may include a temperature sensor and a heating/coolingmechanism (neither shown in FIG. 4). The heating/cooling mechanism maybe, e.g., electric or gas. Alternatively, the heating/cooling mechanismmay include a water jacket that is disposed along the side wall 84 ofthe chamber 80, or on the outside of the chamber block 86. To heat thewater-and-ground-coffee mixture with the chamber 80, the machine 30(FIG. 3) fills the jacket with hot water from the reservoir 36 (FIG. 3)or from another source; similarly, to cool the mixture the machine 30fills the jacket with cold water from the filter 32 or directly from thetap. Using the temperature sensor, the controller 64 may implementclosed-loop control of the brewing temperature by regulating the flow ofwater through the jacket.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the shuttle assembly 98 of FIG. 4according to an embodiment of the invention where the brewing chamber 80of FIG. 4 is cylindrical.

The filter 106 may be a screen made of metal or of another suitablematerial, may be made from a cloth or from paper, or may be acombination of a screen to filter larger coffee grounds and cloth/paperto filter smaller coffee grounds. The filter 106 and space 112 are thesame shape as the chamber opening 82. Furthermore, the filter 106 may beflat, or may be slightly concave with an inner curvature facing thechamber 80.

The separating ribs 104 are arranged to form a manifold. That is, theribs 104 are arranged so that they direct brewed coffee flowing from thechamber 80 through the filter 106 into the outlet 108.

The inlet 100 and nozzle 102 are threaded so that one can screw thenozzle into the inlet; and, as discussed above in conjunction with FIG.4, the nozzle secures the filter 106 when the nozzle is screwed into theinlet.

In addition to the inlet 100, the nozzle 102, the ribs 104, the filter106, the outlet 108, and the wiper 110, the shuttle assembly 98 includesa gasket 120, upper and lower portions 122 and 124, linkage members 126and 128, which connect the upper and lower portions, and track guides130, 132, 134, 135, and 137 (the counterparts to the guides 134, 135,and 137 are not present in FIG. 5).

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the gasket 120 forms a water-tight face sealaround the perimeter of the chamber opening 82 while thewater-measuring-and-transporting unit 40 introduces water into the brewchamber 80, while the coffee brews, and while the piston 90 (FIG. 4)extends to dispense the brewed coffee. Alternatively, the shuttleassembly 98 may be designed to make a bore seal with the chamber opening82.

The upper and lower portions 122 and 124, the linkage members 126 and128, and the track guides 130, 132, 134, 135, and 137 are furtherdescribed below in conjunction with FIGS. 6A and 6B.

FIG. 6A is a cut-away side view of the brewing unit 50 and the shuttleassembly 98 disengaged from the brewing unit according to an embodimentof the invention. While disengaged, the lower portion 122 of the shuttleassembly 98 is raised substantially the thickness of the wiper 110 abovethe surface 88 of the chamber block 86 such that the gasket 120 (FIG. 5)is spaced from the surface of the chamber block, and thus does not sealthe chamber opening 82. Consequently, the wiper 110 can sweep the spentcoffee grounds (not shown in FIG. 6A) off of the piston 90 as discussedabove in conjunction with FIG. 4. The upper track guides includingguides 130, 132, and 134 (FIG. 5) engage an upper track 136, and thelower track guides including guides 135 and 137 engage a lower track138. The upper and lower tracks 136 and 138 are part of ashuttle-assembly drive, which is further described below in conjunctionwith FIGS. 7A-7C. The upper guides 130, and 132, and 134 allow the upperportion 122 of the shuttle assembly 98 to move back and forth along theupper track 136, and the lower guides 135 and 137 allow the lowerportion 124 of the shuttle assembly to move back and forth along thelower track 138. Furthermore, while the shuttle assembly 98 isdisengaged from the brewing unit 50, the linkage members 126 and 128make an acute angle relative to the upper track 136.

FIG. 6B is a cut-away side view of the brewing unit 50 and the shuttleassembly 98 engaged with the brewing unit 50 according to an embodimentof the invention. In this position, the lower track guides including theguides 135 and 137 engage vertical portions 140 and 142 of the lowertrack 138, and force the lower portion 122 of the shuttle assembly 98against the surface 88 of the chamber block 86 such that the gasket 120(FIG. 5) seals the chamber opening 82.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the operation of the shuttle assembly 98is described according to an embodiment of the invention.

After the grind-transporting unit 54 (FIG. 3) loads ground coffee intothe chamber 80 via the opening 82, the shuttle assembly 98 movesleftward from its position in FIG. 6A.

When the lower track guides 135, 137, etc. respectively engage thevertical portions 140 and 142, the linkage members straighten, and thusforce the lower portion 122 of the shuttle assembly 98 toward andagainst the surface 88 such that the gasket 120 (FIG. 5) seals thebrewing chamber 80.

After the coffee brews, the piston 90 (FIG. 4) extends to dispense thebrewed coffee from the chamber 80. Because the tracks 136 and 138compose an over-the-center-toggle configuration, the pressure generatedagainst the lower portion 22 by the piston 90 forces the shuttleassembly 98 to the left. But because the shuttle assembly 98 can travellittle or no distance to the left, the shuttle assembly remains in theengaged position of FIG. 6B. Therefore, the tracks 136 and 138 implementa stable seal, because even in the absence of force on the shuttleassembly 98 in the leftward direction, pressure within the chamber 80will reinforce the seal, and will not cause the seal to “blow” byforcing the shuttle assembly 98 rightward.

After the piston 90 dispenses the brewed coffee, the shuttle assembly 98moves rightward from its position in FIG. 6B. As the shuttle assembly 98moves rightward, the lower track guides 135, 137, etc. disengage thevertical portions 140 and 142 such that the lower portion 122 of theshuttle assembly 98 moves upward and away from the surface 86.Vertically engaging and disengaging the chamber opening 82 maysignificantly extend the life of the gasket and other components thatform the seal with the chamber opening of the chamber.

Next, the piston 90 (FIG. 4) extends further until the piston surface 92(FIG. 4) is substantially coplanar with the surface 86. While the piston90 is extending further, the shuttle assembly 98 may temporarily haltits rightward movement.

Then, as the shuttle assembly 98 continues moving rightward, the wiper110 wipes the used coffee grounds (not shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B) off ofthe piston surface 92 and into the solid-waste-disposal unit 56 (FIG.3).

After the wiper 110 moves past the edge of the surface 88, the shuttleassembly 98 stops, and remains in this “home” position (not shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B) until the brewing chamber 80 brews another cup ofcoffee, at which time the shuttle assembly repeats the above-describedsequence.

FIG. 7A is side view of a portion of the brewing unit 50, the shuttleassembly 98 in a first disengaged position, and a shuttle-assembly drive150 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The shuttle-assembly drive 150 may include a drive belt 152, drive gears154 and 156, an attachment member 158, a solenoid plunger 160, and acleaning assembly 162, which includes a scraper 164, optional water jets(not shown in FIG. 7A), and pivots 166 (only one shown in FIG. 7A). Theplunger 160 is operable to engage and disengage the cleaning assembly162 as described below in conjunction with FIGS. 7A-8.

The member 158 attaches the shuttle assembly 98 to the belt 152, and thedrive gears 154 and 156 turn clockwise to move the shuttle assembly tothe left, and turn counterclockwise to move the shuttle assembly to theright. The shuttle-assembly drive 150 may also include one or more stops(not shown) to limit the distance that the shuttle assembly 98 can movein the left or right directions. In one implementation, the ends of thetracks 136 and 138 (FIGS. 6A-6B) provide such stops.

FIGS. 7B and 7C show rightward movement of the shuttle assembly 98relative to the shuttle assembly's position in FIG. 7A according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the cleaning assembly 162 of FIGS. 7A-7Caccording to an embodiment of the invention. The scraper 164 may be madeout of metal, rubber, or any other suitable material, and is disposedover the solid waste disposal unit 56 (FIG. 3). And if the filter 106(FIGS. 4-7C) is concave, the scraper 164 has the same contour so that itcan contact the filter across its entire diameter. In addition to thescraper 164 and the pivots 166, the cleaning assembly 162 may includewater jets 168, which are adjacent to the scraper. Although not shown,the water-measuring-and-transporting unit 40 (FIG. 3) may feed to thejets 168 heated water from the reservoir 36 (FIG. 3), or may feed to thejets heated water from the reservoir mixed with cleaning solution fromthe cleaner-dispensing unit 34 (FIG. 3). Flexible tubing or another typeof conduit may connect the water-measuring-and-transporting unit 40 tothe water jets 168. Alternatively, the water jets 168 may be feddirectly from the tap-water inlet (FIG. 3) or from another water orcleaning-solution source.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-8, the operation of the cleaning assembly 162 isdescribed according to an embodiment of the invention.

The scraper 164 and water (or cleaning solution) discharged from thewater jets 168 clean the filter 106 and the wiper 110.

As discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 6A-6B and as shown in FIG.7A, after the brewing unit 50 brews coffee, the shuttle-assembly drive150 moves the shuttle assembly 98 upward and to the right such that thewiper 110 begins sweeping the spent coffee grounds from the surface 92of the piston 90 into the solid-waste-disposal unit 56.

In addition, the controller 64 (FIG. 3) extends the plunger 160 towardthe brewing unit 50 to rotate the cleaning assembly 162 about the pivots166 such that the top edge of the scraper 164 is substantially coplanarwith the underside of the filter 106. The solenoid plunger may bedesigned to extend no further than the desired position, or a sensor(not shown) may indicate to the controller 64 when the scraper 164 is inthe desired position. Alternatively, the plunger may not be a solenoidplunger, but may instead be a spring-loaded plunger that forces thecleaning assembly 162 into the proper position.

Referring to FIG. 7B, as the shuttle assembly 98 continues to moverightward, the scraper 164 contacts the underside of the filter 106 anddislodges spent coffee grounds and, if present, other residue (neithershown in FIGS. 7A-7C) that stuck to the underside of the filter as thepiston 90 was forcing brewed coffee through the filter. Water (orcleaning solution) discharged from the jets 168 facilitates thedislodging of the spent coffee grounds and residue from the filter 106,and, depending on the jets' spray pattern, may also keep the scraper 164free of coffee grounds and other residue. Because the scraper 164 andjets 168 are positioned over the solid-waste-disposal unit 56 (FIG. 3),the dirty water, dislodged coffee grounds, and other residue fall intothe disposal unit. And if the filter 106 includes a disposable cloth orpaper portion on its underside, then the scraper 164 may also removethis portion such that it falls into the disposal unit 56 along with thespent coffee grounds and other residue.

Referring to FIG. 7C, after the filter 106 moves over the scraper 164,the wiper 110 moves over the scraper, which contacts the bottom of thewiper. The scraper 164, together with water (or cleaning solution)discharged from the jets 168, dislodges spent coffee grounds and, ifpresent, other residue stuck to the wiper. As discussed above, becausethe scraper 164 and the jets 168 are positioned over thesolid-waste-disposal unit 56 (FIG. 3), the coffee grounds and otherresidue dislodged from the wiper 110 fall into the disposal unit. Afterthe wiper 110 moves rightward past the scraper 164, the jets 168 maycontinue to discharge water to dislodge coffee grounds, and, if present,other residue from the scraper, such that the dirty water and dislodgedmaterial fall into the solid-waste-disposal unit 56.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the grinding-and-measuring unit 60 of FIG.3 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The grinding-and-measuring unit 60 includes an electric motor 170 thatis powered by a supply voltage V and that is responsive the controller64 (FIG. 3), a shaft 172, a grinder 174, and a discharge port 176. Thegrinding-and-measuring unit may also include a current sensor 178 or atemperature sensor 180.

The motor 170 drives the grinder 174 via the shaft 172 in response tothe controller 64 (FIG. 3).

The grinder 174 may be any suitable device for grinding coffee beans oranother substance from which a beverage may be brewed.

The discharge port 176 provides the ground coffee from the grinder 174to the grind-transporting unit 54 (FIG. 3), or directly to thebeverage-brewing unit 50 (FIG. 3) if the brewing machine 30 (FIG. 3)lacks the grind-transporting unit.

The current sensor 178 generates and provides to the controller 64 (FIG.3) a signal that indicates the amount of current that the motor 172draws, and the temperature sensor 180 generates and provides to thecontroller a signal that indicates the temperature of the motor.

In operation, the controller 64 (FIG. 3) determines that the amount ofground coffee discharged from the port 176 equals the product of thegrind rate of the grinder 174—the grind rate may be stored in thecontroller memory 68—and amount of time that the motor 170 is “on”.Because the instantaneous grind rate of the grinder 174 may depend onthe amount of material that the grinder is grinding, and thusdischarging through the port 176, at that instant, the controller 64 mayalso base the ground-coffee measurement on the current that the motor170 draws, on the temperature of the motor, or both the current drawnand the temperature. At any one instant, the load on the motor 170 isproportional to the amount of ground coffee that the grinder 176discharges through the port 176, and the current that the motor draws isproportional to the load. Therefore, the higher that rate at which thegrinder 174 discharges ground coffee through the port 176, the higherthe load on the motor 170, and thus the higher the current that themotor draws. Furthermore, the grind rate is proportional to the motorefficiency, which is typically inversely proportional to the motortemperature. Therefore, the higher the temperature of the motor 170, thesmaller the amount of ground coffee that the grinder 174 is dischargingthrough the port 176. Consequently, the controller 64 can measure theamount of coffee discharged from the port 176 by monitoring the signalsfrom the current and temperature sensors 178 and 180 and applying analgorithm that relates the values of these signals to the rate at whichthe grinder 174 discharges ground coffee through the port 176.Alternatively, the grinding and measuring unit 60 may omit one or bothof the current and temperature sensors 178 and 180, and the controller64 may measure the amount of ground coffee discharged from the port 176by monitoring only the signal from the included one of the current andtemperature sensors (if one is included).

When the controller 64 (FIG. 3) determines that the grinder 174 hasgenerated and discharged through the port 176 a predetermined amount ofground coffee, the controller deactivates the motor 170.

FIG. 10 is a side view with portions broken away of a ground-coffeemeasuring assembly 190 of the grinding-and-measuring unit 60 of FIG. 3according to another embodiment of the invention, where like numbersreference components common to FIGS. 9-10. The assembly 190 can replaceor supplement the controller's calculation of the amount of groundcoffee discharged via the discharge port 176 based on the grind rate ofthe grinder 174 (FIG. 9) and the signals from none, one, or both of thecurrent and temperature sensors 178 and 180 of FIG. 3, and is disposedwithin the discharge port. Alternatively, the assembly 190 may bedisposed in another suitable location within the grinding-and-measuringunit 60.

The assembly 190 includes a motor 192, a speed sensor 194, a shaft 196,and a disk 198 having an upper surface 200.

The motor 192 is an electric or other suitable motor that is separatefrom the grinder motor 170 (FIG. 9) and that spins the shaft 196 and thedisk 198 at a substantially constant speed when the disk is able torotate freely, i.e., when nothing, such as ground coffee, impedes therotation of the disk.

The speed sensor 194 generates a signal that indicates the rotationalspeed of the disk 198, and provides this signal to the controller 64(FIG. 3).

The disk 198 is substantially flat, relatively lightweight, and isformed from plastic or another suitable material. Furthermore, the disk198 may have holes (not shown in FIG. 10) sufficiently wide to passcoffee grounds.

In operation, the controller 64 (FIG. 3) measures the amount of groundcoffee (indicated by the arrows) discharged from the port 176 based onthe rotational speed of the disk 198. As ground coffee (indicated by thearrows) flows from the coffee grinder 174 (FIG. 9) to the port 176, theground coffee collects on the upper surface 200 of the disk 198 beforeflowing over the sides (through the holes) of the disk and through theport as indicated by the arrows. Because the ground coffee collected onthe surface 200 has a mass, it effectively changes the disk's rotationalmoment of inertia by an amount proportional to the mass of collectedcoffee. This change in the disk's moment of inertia changes the speed atwhich the disk 198 spins by an amount proportional to the change in themoment of inertia. The controller 64 monitors the speed of the disk 198via the signal generated by the sensor 194. Consequently, by integratingthe speed of the disk 198 with respect to time, the controller 64 canuse an algorithm that relates the integrated disk speed to the amount ofground coffee that collects on the disk surface 200 over time todetermine the amount of ground coffee discharged from the port 176.

Furthermore, the controller 64 (FIG. 3) may use any of theabove-described measuring techniques to “learn” a more accuratealgorithm for determining the amount of ground coffee based on grindrate of the grinder 174 (FIG. 9). That is, the controller can calculatethe amount of ground coffee that the grinder 174 generates in twoways: 1) based on a predetermined grind rate multiplied by the “on” timeof the grind motor 170 (FIG. 9) and none, one, or both of the motortemperature and current draw as described above in conjunction with FIG.9; and, 2) using the disk 198. Because the second calculation may bemore accurate than the first, the controller 64 compares the resultsyielded by both calculations, and then adjusts the algorithm for thefirst calculation so that it yields a new result that is closer or equalto the result yielded by the second calculation. This “learning”, whichthe controller 64 may accomplish using known neural-network or othertechniques, may allow the controller 64 to accurately measure the amountof discharged ground coffee if, e.g., the assembly 190 fails.

When the controller 64 (FIG. 3) determines that the port 176 hasdischarged a predetermined amount of ground coffee, the controllerdeactivates the grinder motor 170 (FIG. 3) and the motor 192.

FIG. 11 is a side view with portions broken away of a ground-coffeemeasuring assembly 210 of the grinding-and-measuring unit 60 of FIG. 3according to another embodiment of the invention, where like numbers areused to reference components common to FIGS. 9-11. The assembly 210 canreplace or supplement the controller's calculation of the amount ofground coffee discharged via the port 176 based on the grind rate of thegrinder 174 (FIG. 9) and the signals from none, one, or both of thecurrent and temperature sensors 178 and 180 of FIG. 9; and, like theassembly 190 of FIG. 10, the assembly 210 is disposed within thedischarge port 176. Alternatively, the assembly 210 may be disposed inanother suitable location within the grinding-and-measuring unit 60.

The assembly 210 includes an emitter 212 and a sensor 214. The emitter212 emits a beam 216 of electromagnetic energy such as light to thesensor 214, which detects the intensity of the beam, generates a signalthat indicates the intensity of the beam, and provides this signal tothe controller 64 (FIG. 3). For example, the emitter 212 may be alight-emitting diode (LED), or a laser diode, and the sensor 214 may bea photo detector.

In operation, the controller 64 (FIG. 3) measures the amount of groundcoffee discharged from the port 176 based on the intensity of the beam216 detected by the sensor 214. As ground coffee (indicated by thearrows) flows from the coffee grinder 174 (FIG. 9) to the port 176, atleast some of the ground coffee passes through the beam 216. The moreground coffee passing through the beam 216 at any instant, the smallerthe portion of the beam that strikes the sensor 214, and thus the lowerthe beam intensity detected by the sensor. The controller 64 monitorsthe intensity of the beam 216 via the signal generated by the sensor214. Consequently, by integrating the intensity of the beam 216 withrespect to time, the controller 64 can use an algorithm that relates theintegrated intensity to the amount of ground coffee that passes throughthe beam over time to determine the amount of ground coffee dischargedfrom the port 176.

Furthermore, the controller 64 may use the above-described measuringtechnique to “learn” a more accurate algorithm for determining theamount of ground coffee based on the grind rate of the grinder 174 (FIG.9) as described above in conjunction with FIG. 10.

When the controller 64 (FIG. 3) determines that the port 176 hasdischarged a predetermined amount of ground coffee, the controllerdeactivates the grinding motor 170 (FIG. 3).

Moreover, in another implementation of the assembly 210, the emitter 212is replaced with a combination emitter and detector, and the sensor 214is replaced with a reflector. Therefore, the emitter/detector 212 emitsthe beam 216, the reflector 214 reflects the beam, and theemitter/detector detects the intensity of the reflected beam. Thecontroller 64 (FIG. 3) measures the amount of ground coffee dischargedthrough the port 176 based on the intensity of the reflected beam asdescribed above.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of the beverage-brewing unit 50 and a ground-coffeemeasuring assembly 220 of the grinding and measuring unit 60 of FIG. 3according to another embodiment of the invention, where like numbers areused to reference components common to FIGS. 9-12. The assembly 220 canreplace or supplement the controller's calculation of the amount ofground coffee discharged via the port 176 based on the grind rate of thegrinder 174 (FIG. 9) and the signals from none, one, or both of thecurrent and temperature sensors 178 and 180 of FIG. 9, and is disposedexternal to the discharge port 176. Alternatively, the assembly 220 maybe disposed in another suitable location within thegrinding-and-measuring unit 60. Furthermore, although for purposes ofexplanation the assembly 220 is shown transporting ground coffeedirectly to the brewing chamber 80, the assembly 220 transports theground coffee to the ground-transporting unit 54 (FIG. 3) where thebrewing machine 30 (FIG. 3) includes the ground-transporting unit.Alternatively, the assembly 220 may compose all or part of theground-transporting unit 54.

The assembly 220 includes a measuring, i.e., dosing, cup 222, a scale224, and a cup drive assembly (the operation of which is indicated bythe dashed line in FIG. 12). The dosing cup 222 is kinematicallydecoupled from the cup drive assembly when the cup is on the scale 224.“Kinematically decoupled” means that the drive assembly exerts no forceon the cup 222, so that the weight indicated by the scale 224 is notcorrupted by the drive assembly.

The dosing cup 222 receives ground coffee (represented by the solid linearrow) discharged from the port 176, and the scale 224 weighs the groundcoffee and the cup and provides to the controller 64 (FIG. 3) a signalthat indicates this weight. Because the scale 224 may be sensitive tovibrations caused by the beverage-brewing machine 30 (FIG. 3) or presentin the environment in which the machine is located, the scale may weighthe ground coffee and cup multiple times, and the controller 64 maydetermine the weight of the ground coffee and cup to be the average ofthese multiple weights. For example, when the measured weight is closeto the desired weight, the controller 64 may turn off the grinder motor170 (FIG. 9) to eliminate the vibrations therefrom, measure the weightof the cup 222 and coffee inside, and repeat this sequence until thedesired amount of ground coffee is in the cup.

The cup drive assembly (represented by the dashed line) moves the cup222 from the scale 224 to the opening 82 of the brewing chamber 80, andtips the cup such that the ground coffee falls from the cup into thebrewing chamber. The drive assembly may also “bang” the cup 222 todislodge into the brewing chamber 80 ground coffee that is stuck to thebottom or sides of the cup.

In operation, the controller 64 (FIG. 3) determines from the signal (ormultiple signals per above) generated by the scale 224 the weight ofground coffee discharged from the port 176. Ground coffee (indicated bythe arrows) exits the port 176 and enters the cup 222. The scale 224weighs the cup 222 and the ground coffee in the cup, and, as discussedabove, generates one or more signals that each represent the combinedweight of the coffee and the cup. The controller 64 monitors thecombined weight of the coffee and the cup via the one or more signalsgenerated by the scale 224. From the combined weight of the groundcoffee and the cup 222, the controller 64 determines the weight of thecoffee by subtracting from the combined weight the known weight of thecup, which may be determined beforehand and stored in the memory 68(FIG. 3). To prevent overfilling of the cup 222, the controller 64 maystop the grinder motor 170 (FIG. 9) when the weight of the ground coffeein the cup is below the desired weight, and then weigh the coffee, pulsethe motor, and repeat this sequence one or more times until the desiredweight of ground coffee is in the cup.

When the controller 64 (FIG. 3) determines that the port 176 hasdischarged a predetermined weight of ground coffee into the cup 222, thecontroller deactivates the grinding motor 170 (FIG. 9) and causes thecup drive assembly (represented by the dashed line) to dump the groundcoffee in the cup 222 into the brewing chamber 180. Then the controller64 causes the cup 222 to return to its “home” position on the scale 224.

FIGS. 13-18 illustrate the operation of the beverage-brewing machine 30of FIG. 3 during a beverage-brewing cycle according to an embodiment ofthe invention, where like numbers reference components common to FIGS.3-18. For clarity of explanation, FIGS. 13-18 omit some featuresdiscussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 3-12, it being understood thatthese features may be present even though they are not shown ordiscussed. For example, although FIGS. 13-18 do not show the linkagemembers 126 and 128 and track guides 130, 132, 134, 135, and 137, (FIGS.5-7C) of the shuttle assembly 98, the shuttle assembly may include theselinkage members and track guides. Furthermore, although it may not beexplicitly stated, the controller 64 may control one or more of thebelow-described steps. Moreover, although the operation of the machine30 is described for brewing coffee, the operation for brewing anotherbeverage, such as tea, may be the same as or similar to the describedoperation.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 13-18, the operation of the beverage brewingmachine 30 during a beverage-brewing cycle is discussed according to anembodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, after a human operator (not shown in FIGS. 3 and13-18) activates the machine 30 by, e.g., turning “on” a power switch(not shown in FIGS. 3 and 13-18), the machine 30 performs aself-check/initialization during which the piston 90 and shuttleassembly 98 move into respective “home” positions if they are notalready in their respective home positions. For example, the piston 90moves into a position where the piston surface 92 is substantiallycoplanar with the block surface 88, and the shuttle assembly 98 movesinto a position in which the opening 82 of the brew chamber 80 ispartially or fully exposed. Alternatively, the piston 90 and shuttleassembly 98 may already be in their respective home positions from thelast brew cycle, or may move into any other respective non-homepositions that are suitable for starting the brew cycle.

Next, the operator enters a coffee selection (if multiple coffees areavailable), a beverage size (e.g., 8 ounces, 16 ounces), and one or morebrewing parameters (e.g., grind size, ground-coffee-to-water ratio,water temperature, and brew time) via the control panel 70. For example,if the hopper unit 58 holds two or more roasts of coffee beans, then theoperator may select a desired roast by name or by another identifier,such as the name or number of the hopper (not shown in FIGS. 3 and13-18) holding the beans of the desired roast. Furthermore, the machine30 may allow the operator to enter a custom beverage size (e.g., 9ounces, 11 ounces), or may constrain the operator to one or morepredetermined sizes (e.g., 8 ounces, 16 ounces). Moreover, the operatormay enter each brewing parameter separately, or may enter an identifier,such as the name of the selected roast, to select a set of predeterminedbrew parameters that are stored in the memory 68 and associated with theidentifier. Alternatively, the present operator, another operator, orthe machine 30 (via, e.g., the internet or RFID tag) may have alreadyentered the brewing parameters when the coffee beans were loaded intothe hopper. If the operator enters the brew parameters separately, butfails to enter one or more required parameters, then the machine 30 mayassign a default value to each of the parameters not entered. And if theoperator enters a set of brewing parameters via an identifier he mayalter one or more of these pre-programmed parameters either directly orabstractly. An example of the later is where the operator selects an“abstract” brew strength (e.g., weak, normal, strong) that thecontroller 64 converts into an actual coffee-to-water ratio in apre-programmed manner. In addition, the machine 30 may, via the display70, remind the operator to place a cup in the cup holder 44.

Then, referring to FIG. 14, the piston 90 retracts a predetermineddistance to leave enough room in the chamber 80 for receiving groundcoffee 230. Alternatively, if the home position of the piston 90 leavessufficient room in the chamber 80, then the piston need not retract.

Next, the grinding-and-measuring unit 60 and, if present, thegrind-transporting unit 54, load the brewing chamber 80 with apredetermined amount of the ground coffee 230. If thegrinding-and-measuring unit 60 can provide different grind sizes (e.g.,coarse, fine), then the unit generates the ground coffee 230 having theselected grind size. Alternatively, the unit 60 may provide differentportions of the ground coffee 230 having different grind sizes. Forexample, the unit 60 may provide an intermediate grind consistency byfinely grinding the first half of the ground coffee 230 and coarselygrinding the second half of the ground coffee. Furthermore, because thegrind size may affect the grind rate of the grinder 174 (FIG. 9), thecontroller 64 may take into account the grind size when measuring theground coffee 230, particularly when using the (grind rate)×(grindingtime) measuring technique described above in conjunction with FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 15, after the grinding-and-measuring unit 60, and, ifpresent, the grind-transporting unit 54, load the ground coffee 230 intothe chamber 80, the shuttle assembly 98 seals the opening 82 of thebrewing chamber 80 as described above in conjunction with FIGS. 6A-6B.

While the grinding-and-measuring and grind-transporting units 60 and 54are loading the ground coffee 230 into the chamber 80 and while theshuttle assembly 98 is sealing the chamber, thewater-reservoir-and-heating unit 36 is heating the water to apredetermined temperature if the water is not already at thistemperature. In one example, the unit 36 heats the water above thedesired brewing temperature so that the water-temperature-control unit38 can provide to the chamber 80 water at the desired brewingtemperature by cooling the heated water from the reservoir with cold tapwater as described above in conjunction with FIG. 3. In another example,the reservoir-and-heating unit 36 heats the water to the brewingtemperature, and the temperature-control unit 38 is inactive or omitted.Either technique allows control of the brewing temperature from cup tocup.

Next, the water-measuring-and-transporting unit 40 fills the sealedbrewing chamber 80 with a desired amount of water 232 having the desiredbrewing temperature via the nozzle 102. In one example, thewater-and-measuring unit 40 includes a pump that forces the desiredamount of water 232 through the nozzle 102. In another example, thewater-measuring-and-transporting unit 40 lacks a pump, and the water 232is gravity fed from the reservoir unit 36 to the nozzle 102 via thewater-measuring-and-transporting unit. In these two techniques, thebeverage-transporting unit 48 may open the outlet 108 to allow air inthe chamber 80 to escape via the outlet as the water 232 enters thechamber. In yet another example, the outlet 108 is closed and the piston90 retracts to create a suction that draws the water 232 from thereservoir 36 into the chamber 80 via the measuring-and-transporting unit40 and the nozzle 102. In still another example, a combination of thepump and piston suction is used to fill the chamber 80 with water.

Still referring to FIG. 15, techniques for measuring the water that thewater-measuring-and-transporting unit 40 provides to the brewing chamber80 are discussed. In one implementation, the unit 40 includes a solenoidpump, which pumps water at a highly consistent rate. Therefore, thecontroller 64 determines the amount of water that the unit 40 providesto the brewing chamber 80 as being equal to the product of the pump rateand the amount of time that the pump is active. Because the pump ratemay vary with the pressure and temperature of the water from thetemperature-control unit 38, the temperature-control unit or thewater-transporting unit 40 may include sensors to indicate the pressureand temperature of the water, and the controller 64 may take intoaccount the pressure or temperature when measuring the amount of water232 provided to the brewing chamber 80.

And in an implementation where the piston 90 draws in the water 232 byretracting, then the controller 64 may measure the amount of water thatenters the chamber 80 by measuring the distance that the piston 90retracts, and using an algorithm to relate the distance retracted to theamount of water drawn. Because the amount of water that the piston 90draws into the chamber 80 may depend on the temperature of the water andthe temperature and pressure of the gas in the chamber and in otherparts of the machine 30, the machine may include temperature andpressure sensors in these parts of the machine, and the controller 64may take into account these temperatures and pressures when measuringthe amount of water 232 drawn into the chamber.

In still another example, the water 232 enters the chamber 80 or ismeasured using a combination or sub-combination of the above-describedtechniques.

In a related implementation, the controller 64 adjusts the amount ofwater 232 introduced to the chamber 80 based on the amount of groundcoffee 230 introduced to the chamber. This maintains the coffee-to-waterratio, which is one of the brewing parameters that significantly affectstaste, more accurate from cup to cup. The error in theground-coffee-to-water ratio is the sum of the water-measurement errorand the coffee-measurement error. To reduce the ratio error, thecontroller 64 can adjust the amount of one of the ground coffee 230 andwater 232 based on the measurement of the other. Because the watermeasurement is typically more accurate than the coffee measurement, thecontroller 64 adjusts the amount of water based on the measured amountof ground coffee 230 in the chamber 80. For example, assume that thecoffee-to-water ratio is 3 grams/ounce, so a 10-ounce cup of coffeecalls for 30 grams of ground coffee and 10 ounces of water. However,suppose that the controller 64 determines that 33 grams of coffee wereintroduced into the chamber 80. To maintain the 3/1 ratio, thecontroller 64 causes the water-measuring-and transportation unit 40 tointroduce 11 ounces of water into the cylinder. The machine 30 can thendiscard one ounce of the brewed coffee via the liquid-waste disposalunit 42 as further described below in conjunction with the discussion of“silt” so that only the desired 10 ounces of coffee fill the operator'scoffee cup (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 13-18). Although thecoffee-to-water ratio may still be off due to errors in measuring thecoffee 230 and water 232, the ratio is typically more accurate than itwould have been had the amount of water not been adjusted as describedabove. The controller 64 may use this technique when too little coffee230 is in the chamber 80 by introducing less water into the chamber,although this will result in less than the selected amount of coffee inthe operator's cup. Alternatively, the controller 64 may cause thegrinder 174 (FIG. 9) to grind some additional coffee.

Still referring to FIG. 15, after the desired amounts of ground coffee230 and water 232 are in the chamber 80, the machine 30 agitates themixture of the ground coffee and the water to thoroughly wet the groundcoffee. In one example, the spray pattern from the nozzle 102 performsthis agitation while the water 232 is entering the chamber 80. Toenhance the agitation, the water 232 may enter the chamber 80 inmultiple bursts. In another example, a mechanical member (not shown inFIGS. 3 and 13-17) performs the agitation while the water 232 isentering the chamber 80, after the water enters the chamber, or bothwhile and after the water enters the chamber. In yet another example,both the nozzle 102 and the mechanical member perform the agitation.

Next, the mixture of the ground coffee 230 and the water 232 remains inthe chamber 80 for the selected brewing time. During the brewing time,the brewing unit 50 may heat or cool the mixture within the chamber 80as discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 4.

Then, the cup sensing unit 52 indicates whether a cup (not shown inFIGS. 3 and 13-18) is in the holder 44. If a cup is not in the holder,then the controller 64 halts the brewing cycle, and may sound an audioor visual alarm, until the operator places a cup in the holder 44. If acup is in the holder 44, then the brewing cycle continues as describedbelow.

Referring to FIG. 16, after the brewing time has expired, the piston 90extends to expel the brewed coffee 234 from the chamber 80 and into acoffee cup (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 13-18) in the cup holder 44 via thebeverage-transporting and -dispensing units 48 and 46. The piston 90forces the brewed coffee 234 through the filter 106, into the space 112,and through the outlet 108 to the beverage transporting unit 48. In oneimplementation, the piston 90 extends in multiple steps to allow thespent coffee grounds 230 to settle on the surface 92 of the piston. Inanother implementation, a pressure sensor (not shown in FIGS. 3 and13-18) is located within the brewing chamber 80, and the controller 64controls the extension speed of the piston 90 in a closed-loop manner tomaintain the pressure within the brewing chamber 80 at a desired levelthat prevents damage to, e.g., the filter 106 and the seal between theshuttle assembly 98 and the brewing chamber.

Still referring to FIG. 16, sometimes “silt” or other undesirable debris(not shown in FIGS. 3 and 13-18) that are too fine to be retained in thebrewing chamber 80 by the filter 106 float near or to the top of thebrewed coffee 234. To keep this debris out of the coffee cup (not shownin FIGS. 3 and 13-18), before the piston 90 begins to extend thebeverage-transporting unit 48 closes and the water-transporting unit 40opens. Therefore, as the piston 90 extends, a predetermined amount ofthe brewed coffee 234 including the debris is expelled into theliquid-disposal unit 42. After the piston 90 expels the predeterminedamount of brewed coffee 234 into the disposal unit 42, thebeverage-transporting unit 48 opens and the water-transporting unit 40closes such that the extending piston expels the remaining, andsubstantially debris free, brewed coffee 234 to the beverage-dispensingunit 46. The controller 64 may cause the piston 90 to expel the desiredamount of brewed coffee 234 into the disposal unit 42 by measuring thedistance that the piston extends, and using an algorithm to determinethe amount of brewed coffee expelled based on the distance that thepiston extends (this algorithm may be the same as or similar to the oneused to determine the amount of water drawn into the chamber 80 by theretracting piston 90 as described above). Furthermore, the controller 64may introduce additional ground coffee 230 and water 232 into thechamber 80 to compensate for the debris-removal step. For example, ifthe operator wants an 8 ounce cup of coffee brewed with 24 grams ofground coffee (a 3 gram to 1 ounce ratio), then the controller 64 mayintroduce 27 grams of ground coffee 230 and 9 ounces of water 232 intothe chamber 80. This maintains the desired coffee-to-water ratio and cupsize while allowing the piston 90 to expel 1 ounce of debris-riddenbrewed coffee 234 into the liquid-waste disposal unit 42.

Referring to FIG. 17, the piston 90 stops extending and expelling thebrewed coffee 234 (not shown in FIG. 17) when the piston surface 92 is apredetermined distance below the block surface 88. This predetermineddistance is sufficient to prevent the spent coffee grounds 234 frompressing against the filter 106 with a force sufficient to damage thefilter, the seal between the chamber 80 and the shuttle assembly 98, orother components of the shuttle assembly.

Then, the controller 64 may indicate to the operator via the display 70or other indicator (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 13-18) that he may removethe coffee-filled cup (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 13-18) from the cupholder 44.

Referring to FIG. 18, the shuttle assembly 98 next moves upward and awayfrom the chamber 80, and the piston 90 extends until the piston surface92 is substantially coplanar with the block surface 88.

Next, the shuttle assembly 98 moves rightward such that the wiper 110sweeps the spent coffee grounds 230 from the piston 90 and into thesolid waste disposal unit 56.

Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 13-18, other embodiments of theabove-described brewing cycle are contemplated. For example, the orderof the above-described steps may be altered, the steps described asbeing performed concurrently may be performed at different times, andsteps described as being performed at different times may be performedconcurrently. Furthermore, some of the steps may be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 16, the operation of the beverage-brewingmachine 30 during a cleaning cycle is described according to anembodiment of the invention. Although not specifically discussed, someor all of the techniques discussed above in conjunction with the brewingcycle of FIGS. 13-18 may perform or be modified to perform the same orsimilar functions during the cleaning cycle.

After an operator (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 16) activates the machine 30by, e.g., turning “on” a power switch (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 16), hemay initiate a cleaning cycle via the control panel 70, or the machinemay initiate the cleaning cycle automatically. For example, the machine30 may automatically initiate the cleaning cycle at a predetermined timeeach day.

Next, the shuttle assembly 98 seals the brewing chamber 80.

While the shuttle assembly 98 is sealing the chamber 80, the waterreservoir and heating unit 36 heats the water to a predeterminedtemperature if the water is not already at this temperature. In oneexample, the unit 36 heats the water above the desired cleaningtemperature so that the water temperature control unit 38 can provide tothe chamber 80 water at the desired cleaning temperature by cooling theheated water with cold tap water. In another example, thereservoir-and-heating unit 36 heats the water to the cleaningtemperature, and the temperature-control unit 38 is inactive or omitted.

Then, the water-and-cleaner-measuring-and-transporting unit 40 fills thesealed brewing chamber 80 via the nozzle 102 with a mixture comprising apredetermined amount of water and cleaning solution (e.g., vinegar) fromthe cleaner dispensing unit 34. The unit 40 may measure the mixtureusing the same techniques and components used to measure the waterduring a brewing cycle as discussed above in conjunction with FIGS.13-18. For example, the cleaning dispenser 34 may provide a steady flowof cleaning solution to the transporting unit 40, which provides apredetermined amount of water to the chamber 80. Because the unit 34dispenses the cleaning solution at a known rate, the amount of cleaningsolution dispensed is proportional to the amount of water that thetransporting unit 40 provides to the chamber 80. Furthermore, while thecleaning mixture enters the chamber 80, the beverage-transporting unit48 may open the outlet 108 to allow air in the chamber to escape. Inanother implementation, the outlet 108 is closed and the piston 90retracts to creating a suction that draws the mixture of water andcleaning solution into the chamber 80 via the measuring-and-transportingunit 40 and the nozzle 102. With this technique, the controller 64 canmeasure the amount of cleaning mixture that enters the chamber 80 usingthe same techniques to measure drawn-in water as discussed above inconjunction with FIGS. 13-18. In yet another implementation, thewater-and-cleaner mixture enters the chamber 80 using a combination orsub-combination of the above-described techniques. In still anotherimplementation, the operator may pour the cleaning solution into thechamber 80 via the chamber opening 82.

Next, the machine 30 agitates the mixture of the cleaning solution andwater. In one implementation, the spray pattern from the nozzle 102performs this agitation while the mixture is entering the chamber 80. Toenhance the agitation and cleaning of the chamber 80, the mixture mayenter the chamber in multiple bursts. In another example, a mechanicalmember (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 16) performs the agitation while themixture is entering the chamber 80, after the mixture enters thechamber, or both while and after the mixture enters the chamber. In yetanother example, both the nozzle 102 and the mechanical member agitatethe cleaning mixture.

Then, the cleaning mixture remains in the chamber 80 for a predeterminedcleaning time, during which the piston 90 may move up or down to enhancethe cleaning of the chamber 80 and the piston.

After the cleaning time has expired, the cup sensing unit 52 indicatesto the controller 64 whether a cup is in the cup holder 44. If a cup ispresent, then the controller 64 halts the cleaning cycle and may soundan audible or visible alarm until the cup is removed from the holder.

If the cup sensing unit 52 indicates that no cup is in the cup holder44, the piston 90 extends to expel the cleaning mixture from the chamber80 and into the drain unit 44 via thebeverage-transporting-and-dispensing units 48 and 46. The piston 90forces the cleaning mixture through the filter 106, into the space 112,and through the outlet 108 to the beverage-transporting unit 48. Thecleaning mixture cleans the filter 106, the space 112, the outlet 106,the beverage-transporting-and-dispensing units 48 and 46, thecup-holder-and-drain unit 44, and the conduits connecting thesecomponents as the mixture passes through.

The piston 90 stops extending and expelling the cleaning mixture whenthe piston surface 92 is substantially coplanar with the block surface88.

Next, the machine 30 repeats the above-described cycle one or more timeswith water only to rinse the cleaned components and conduits.

Then, the shuttle assembly 98 disengages the chamber 80 in preparationof the next brewing cycle.

Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 16, other embodiments of the cleaningcycle are contemplated. For example, instead of mixing cleaning solutionwith water, the cleaner-measuring unit 40 may provide straight (i.e.,unmixed with water) cleaning solution from the dispenser 34 to thebrewing chamber 80. Furthermore, the order of the above-described stepsmay be altered, the steps described as being performed concurrently maybe performed at different times, and steps described as being performedat different times may be performed concurrently. Moreover, some of thesteps may be omitted.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the machine 30 according to anembodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 19, in addition to the cup-holder-and-drainunit 44 and the control panel and display 70, the machine 30 includes astainless steel and plastic housing 240, hoppers 242 and 244, a beveragedispensing spout 246, a tray 248, and three doors or panels 250, 252,and 254. Each of the hoppers 242 and 244, which are part of the hopperunit 58, can hold the same or different types of coffee beans. Thedispensing spout 246 is part of the beverage-dispensing unit 48, and thetray 248, which is removable for cleaning, is part of thecup-holder-and-drain unit 44. The door/panel 250 allows access foremptying or servicing the solid-waste-disposal unit 56, and thedoor/panel 252 allows access for servicing some or all of the componentsabove the barrier 62 in FIG. 3. The door/panel 254 allows access forservicing the printed circuit board (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 19) onwhich the processor 66, memory 68, communications port 72, and perhapsother electronic components are located. The height of the machine 30 is18 inches or less so that the machine can fit on a counter top understandard-height cabinets (neither shown in FIG. 19). Because this heightmay be too small to allow water from the reservoir unit 36 to gravityfeed into the brewing chamber 80 (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 19), thewater-transporting unit 40 may include a pump, or the piston 90 mayretract to draw water into the brewing chamber as described above inconjunction with FIGS. 13-18.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specificembodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration,various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit andscope of the invention. Furthermore, where an alternative is disclosedfor a particular embodiment, this alternative may also apply to otherembodiments even if not specifically stated.

1. A machine for brewing a beverage, the machine comprising: a chamber;and a piston disposed within the chamber and operable to move to a firstposition to allow the chamber to receive a liquid and a flavor base, toremain in the first position for a time sufficient for the beverage tobrew, and to move to a second position to dispense the beverage byforcing the beverage out of the chamber.
 2. The machine of claim 1,further comprising a controller operable to control the movement of thepiston.
 3. The machine of claim 1 wherein the chamber and piston arecylindrical.
 4. The machine of claim 1 wherein: the first position ofthe piston comprises a retracted position; and the second position ofthe piston comprises an extended position.
 5. The machine of claim 1wherein: the flavor base comprises coffee; and the liquid compriseswater.
 6. The machine of claim 1, further comprising: wherein the flavorbase comprises a solid; and a filter operable to pass the beverage andretain the solid in the chamber while the piston moves from the firstposition to the second position.
 7. The machine of claim 1, furthercomprising: wherein the flavor base comprises a solid; and a wiperoperable to remove the solid from the piston after the beverage isdispensed.
 8. The machine of claim 1, further comprising: a hopperoperable to store coffee beans; and a grinder operable to receive thecoffee beans from the hopper, to grind the coffee beans, and to providethe ground coffee to the chamber as the flavor base.
 9. The machine ofclaim 1, further comprising: a hopper operable to store the flavor base;and a measuring unit operable to receive the flavor base from the hopperand to provide a predetermined amount of the flavor base to the chamber.10. The machine of claim 1, further comprising: a hopper operable tostore the flavor base; and a transporter operable to provide the flavorbase from the hopper to the chamber during a first operating mode andoperable to provide the flavor base to a disposal unit during a secondoperating mode.
 11. The machine of claim 1, further comprising areservoir operable to hold the liquid, to heat the liquid to apredetermined temperature, and to provide the heated liquid to thechamber.
 12. The machine of claim 1, further comprising: a reservoiroperable to hold the liquid and to heat the liquid to a firstpredetermined temperature; and a temperature-control unit operable toreceive the heated liquid from the reservoir, to change the temperatureof the liquid from the first predetermined temperature to a secondpredetermined temperature, and to provide the liquid having the secondpredetermined temperature to the chamber.
 13. The machine of claim 1,further comprising: a reservoir operable to hold the liquid and to heatthe liquid to a first predetermined temperature; and atemperature-control unit operable to receive the heated liquid from thereservoir, to cool the liquid to a second predetermined temperature, andto provide the cooled liquid to the chamber.
 14. The machine of claim 1,further comprising: a reservoir operable to hold a cleaner; and atransporter operable to provide the cleaner from the reservoir to thechamber during a cleaning operating mode.
 15. The machine of claim 1,further comprising: a holder operable to hold a beverage cup; andwherein the piston is operable to dispense the beverage into the cup.16. The machine of claim 1, further comprising: a holder operable tohold a beverage cup; a sensor operable to indicate whether the beveragecup is in the holder; and wherein the piston is operable to dispense thebeverage if the sensor indicates that the beverage cup is in the holder.17. A method, comprising: brewing a beverage in a chamber from a flavorbase and a liquid; and forcing the beverage out of the chamber by movinga piston within the chamber.
 18. The method of claim 17 whereinproducing the beverage comprises brewing coffee in the chamber fromground coffee and water.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein forcing thebeverage comprises forcing the beverage through a filter to remove asolid from the beverage.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:introducing the flavor base into the chamber; and introducing the liquidinto the chamber in a manner that mixes the flavor base and the liquid.21. The method of claim 17, further comprising: introducing the flavorbase into the chamber; and introducing the liquid into the chamber inmultiple bursts.
 22. The method of claim 17, further comprising wiping asolid residue from the piston into a waste-disposal unit after forcingthe beverage out of the chamber.
 23. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising: receiving a beverage-producing parameter; and producing thebeverage according to the parameter.
 24. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising: electronically receiving a beverage-producing parameter; andproducing the beverage according to the parameter.
 25. A machine forbrewing coffee, the machine comprising: a brew chamber having an openingoperable to receive ground coffee; a reservoir operable to hold water,to heat the water to a first predetermined temperature, and to provideheated water to the brew chamber; a filter; a piston disposed in thechamber and operable to force brewed coffee out of the chamber throughthe filter; and a wiper operable to sweep the ground coffee off of thepiston after the piston forces the brewed coffee out of the chamber. 26.The machine of claim 25, further comprising: a hopper operable to storecoffee beans; and a grinding-and-measuring unit operable to receivecoffee beans from the hopper, to grind the beans into ground coffee, andto introduce a predetermined amount of ground coffee into the brewchamber.
 27. The machine of claim 26 wherein the grinding and measuringunit comprises an optical sensor operable to indicate an amount ofground coffee that the unit introduces to the brew chamber.
 28. Themachine of claim 26 wherein the grinding and measuring unit comprises anultrasonic sensor operable to indicate an amount of ground coffee thatthe unit introduces to the brew chamber.
 29. The machine of claim 26wherein the grinding and measuring unit comprises a disk operable toindicate an amount of ground coffee that the unit introduces to the brewchamber.
 30. The machine of claim 26 wherein the grinding and measuringunit comprises: a grinding motor; and a current sensor operable toindicate an amount of ground coffee that the unit introduces to the brewchamber based on a current drawn by the grinding motor.
 31. The machineof claim 26 wherein the grinding and measuring unit comprises: agrinding motor; and a temperature sensor operable to indicate an amountof ground coffee that the unit introduces to the brew chamber based on atemperature of the grinding motor.
 32. The machine of claim 26 whereinthe grinding-and-measuring unit comprises: a container operable to holdthe ground coffee; a mass sensor operable to indicate a mass of theground coffee held in the container; and a mechanism to dump the groundcoffee in the container into the brew chamber.
 33. The machine of claim26 wherein the grinding-and-measuring unit comprises: a containeroperable to hold ground coffee; and a mechanism to dump the groundcoffee in the container into the brew chamber.
 34. The machine of claim26 wherein the grinding-and-measuring unit comprises: a containeroperable to hold ground coffee; and a mass sensor operable to indicate amass of the ground coffee held in the container.
 35. The machine ofclaim 25, further comprising a water transporting unit disposed betweenthe reservoir and the brew chamber and operable to receive heated waterfrom the reservoir and to introduce a predetermined amount of the heatedwater into the chamber via the opening.
 36. The machine of claim 25further comprising a water transporting unit disposed between thereservoir and the brew chamber and operable to receive heated water fromthe reservoir and to introduce a predetermined amount of the heatedwater into the chamber via the opening, wherein the water transportingand measuring unit comprises a pump that introduces the water into thebrew chamber at a rate that is proportional to a time during which thepump is active.
 37. The machine of claim 25 wherein the piston isoperable draw a predetermined amount of heated water from the reservoirinto the chamber by moving a distance that corresponds to thepredetermined amount.
 38. The machine of claim 25 wherein: the filter isoperable to cover the opening of the brew chamber; and the piston isoperable to force the brewed coffee out of the chamber via the openingand through the filter.
 39. The machine of claim 25, further comprisinga temperature unit disposed between the reservoir and the watertransporting and measuring unit and operable to cool the water from thereservoir to a second predetermined temperature.
 40. The machine ofclaim 25 wherein the wiper and the filter are attached to a commonassembly.
 41. The machine of claim 25, further comprising an electroniccontroller operable to control operation of the grinding and measuringunit, the reservoir, the water transporting and measuring unit, thepiston, and the wiper.
 42. The machine of claim 25, further comprising:a substantially flat surface contiguous with the opening of the brewchamber; wherein the piston has a surface and is operable to move into awipe position where the piston surface is substantially coplanar withthe contiguous surface after the piston forces the brewed coffee out ofthe chamber; and wherein the wiper is operable to sweep the groundcoffee from the piston surface when the piston is in the wipe position.43. The machine of claim 25, further comprising a cleaning mechanismoperable to remove ground coffee from the filter and the wiper after thewiper sweeps the coffee grounds from the piston.